Latest Asus development, motherboard Asus Maximus V Formula, is notable for a rather high price. This is explained primarily by the implementation of high-end overclocking options and support of advanced brand technologies. Moreover, one might find this model at even higher price due to the availability of ThunderFX sound board in the nominal delivery set. Despite the pricing policy, this model is a desirable acquirement, since it provides unmatched performance and limitless facilities for overclockers.



Specifications


Asus Maximus V Formula/ThunderFX is developed in XL-ATX form factor. The model is based on Intel Z77 chipset specifically for Socket LGA 1155 CPU slot. CPU supports Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 and Asus TurboV EVO technologies which give access to overclocking facilities. Dedicated facilities allow the customer to alter Bclk frequencies from 80 MHz to 300 MHz (with 0.1 MHz shot) and to change voltage index in CPU, memory chips, PLL, CSA.


This motherboard …

Spire is going to release a new extraordinary cooling solution: a cylinder-shaped CPU cooler, entitled Swirl IV. It is targeting Intel processors for Socket 2011/1366/115x/775 and AMD FM1/FM2/AM2/AM3 platforms with the maximum TDP level of 130 W. The new-comer has received RoHS and CE certification that proves its environmentally-friendly nature. An official release is postponed to January 2015.



Spire Swirl IV features 131x125x62 mm dimensions and weighs 690 g. Its heatsink consists of 45 aluminum fins, pierced by three copper zinc-plated U-shaped heatpipes (8 mm). Inside the heatsink one can find a 60 mm fan with blue LED backlit. Its rotational speed is controlled by PWM technology so that the blades could run between 600 RPM up to 2000 RPM.


The fan is equipped with a slide bearing, estimated for 50.000 hours of fool-proof operation. It is powered by means of a 4-pin connector, ensuring up to 83.12 CFM airflow at 26 dB noise. Besides, at the highest rotational speed the …

ASRock has recently announced a new series of motherboards that are based on the prime-class AMD A88X chipset, targeting Socket FM2(+) CPUs of Trinity and Richland generation. Moreover, they are supposed to support the new-gen AMD Kaveri APUs with Steamroller microarchitecture. One of the most outstanding models within the series is FM2A88M-HD+ motherboard, which features a large amount of slots and sockets. At the same time, it remains a cost-efficient solution.



ASRock FM2A88M-HD+ is designed in a micro-ATX form-factor, featuring 234x183 mm dimensions. The company claims that this model is able to accommodate DDR3 RAM with 2133 MHz frequency, housed in two DIMM slots. Therein, the maximal memory capacity might achieve 32 GB. Hardware base consists of prime-quality solid-state capacitors and durable chokes. Three expansion slots are introduced by one PCI, one PCIe 2.0 x1, and one high-speed PCIe 3.0 x16; the latter demonstrates up to 15.75 Mb/sec bandwidth.


Storage …